Our Van Life Cooler Recommendations
Keeping food fresh on the road can be a challenge or a breeze depending on your equipment. Whether you’re spending weeks in remote areas or moving from campsite to campsite, having the right cooler can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the best coolers for van life and provide insights into what to look for, based on common priorities like size, portability, insulation, and power efficiency. Cooler Choice Considerations Size and Capacity – Space is limited in most vans, so you want a cooler that fits your storage needs without taking up too much room. Insulation – A cooler’s ability to maintain a low temperature is crucial for long road trips. Consider how long the cooler can keep ice frozen and food fresh. Portability – Depending on your travel style, you may want a cooler that’s easy to transport outside the van for camping or picnics. Power Source – Electric coolers can double as fridges but require a power source. Some can plug into your van’s DC outlet, while others run off solar or battery packs. Durability – A well-built cooler will withstand the bumps and jolts of van life. Budget – It’s important to balance the cost with the features you need, especially if you’re financing your van and want to keep prices as low as possible. Here are a few of the best cooler options for van lifers: 1. YETI Tundra 45 Cooler The YETI Tundra series is known for its extreme durability and high-quality insulation. The Tundra 45 is a great mid-sized option for van lifers, offering enough capacity to store food for several days while still being compact enough to fit in most vehicles. Key Features: Insulation: It keeps ice frozen for up to five days, making it ideal for off-grid trips. Durability: Built with rotomolded construction, the Tundra 45 is nearly indestructible, able to handle rough roads and heavy usage. Portability: Weighing around 23 lbs empty, it’s not the lightest cooler, but it has built-in handles for easy carrying. Best for: Van lifers who need a cooler for long trips and want a durable option that can take a beating on the road. 2. Dometic CFX3 55IM Electric Cooler The Dometic CFX3 55IM is a versatile option that functions as both a fridge and freezer, making it perfect for van life. It offers superior cooling performance and doesn’t require ice, which frees up extra space for food and drinks. Key Features: Dual Power Options: The CFX3 can be powered through both 12V DC and 110V AC outlets, meaning you can use your van’s cigarette lighter or hook it up to solar panels. Temperature Control: It offers precise digital temperature control, allowing you to set the exact temperature based on what’s inside. Freezer Functionality: It can reach temperatures as low as -7°F, so you can freeze food for extended trips. Energy-Efficient: It’s highly efficient and won’t drain your battery quickly, which is crucial for those relying on solar power or limited electricity. Best for: Van lifers who want the convenience of a fridge/freezer and are willing to invest in a high-end, tech-savvy cooler that doesn’t need ice. 3. Igloo MaxCold Cooler The Igloo MaxCold 70 QT offers a more budget-friendly option for reliable ice retention. This cooler provides extended cooling for up to five days, making it a great choice for weekend road trips or shorter off-grid adventures. Key Features: Affordable: It’s one of the most affordable coolers with decent insulation performance. Insulation: Features thick foam insulation in the lid and body, helping retain ice for multiple days. Lightweight: At just over 16 lbs, the Igloo MaxCold is easy to move in and out of your van. Best for: Budget-conscious van lifers looking for a basic cooler that delivers good ice retention without the hefty price tag. 4. ARB 63 Quart Portable Fridge/Freezer Fridge/Freezer is designed with van lifers in mind. It’s another cooler that doubles as a fridge, so you can adjust the temperature as needed. With its large capacity, this cooler can store enough food for longer trips, ideal for those who spend extended time in remote areas. Key Features: Large Capacity: Its 63-quart capacity allows for plenty of food storage for longer road trips. Efficient Power Usage: It’s designed to run efficiently on 12/24V DC or 110V AC power, meaning it can work off your van’s battery or a portable generator. Durability: The rugged design means it can handle the rough roads of van life without any problems. Digital Controls: The ARB comes with an easy-to-use control panel, allowing for precise temperature settings. Best for: Van lifers who prioritize storage space and need a reliable, electric-powered fridge/freezer for extended trips. 5. RTIC 45 Cooler The RTIC 45 Cooler is another top contender for those looking for excellent ice retention at a lower price point than competitors like YETI. It holds ice for up to ten days, making it one of the best in the market for insulation. With a 45-quart capacity, this cooler is ideal for van life, especially for those who need a reliable cooler on a budget. Key Features: Great Insulation: The RTIC’s thick walls provide exceptional ice retention for longer trips. Affordability: It’s more affordable than some other high-end coolers, providing great value for its performance. Durability: Like the YETI, the RTIC is rotomolded for extreme durability and can withstand the rigors of van life. Best for: Van lifers looking for an affordable alternative to YETI that still delivers excellent performance and durability. Fridges That Double as Coolers: The Best of Both Worlds Products like the Dometic CFX3 and the ARB 63 Quart Portable Fridge/Freezer are ideal for those who want to switch between a cooler and fridge without needing to restock ice constantly. These fridges offer the convenience of setting specific temperatures and running off your van’s power supply, making them versatile and efficient for extended road trips. Stay Cool with Geotrek At Geotrek Vans, we specialize in
Product Talk: Our Favorite Mattresses for Van Life
Finding the right mattress for your van setup isn’t just about comfort—it’s about making the most of the limited space you have. After all, your van is more than just a vehicle; it’s where you unwind and recharge after long days on the road. Picking Your Bed Setup Before choosing a van mattress, think about your overall bed setup. The size and layout of your van will heavily influence this decision. Do you want a fixed bed, where the mattress remains in one position? Or are you looking for a convertible setup, where the bed doubles as seating during the day? Fixed Bed Setup A fixed bed is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and simplicity. It allows you to place a full-sized campervan mattress in one location and leave it there permanently. However, this setup can take up a significant amount of space, leaving less room for storage, seating or even a van bathroom. Convertible Bed Setup If you want to maximize the utility of your space, a convertible bed setup might be the better option. You can fold up or convert the bed into a seating or dining area during the day, then pull it out at night for sleeping. In this case, a thinner, more flexible mattress will work best. Mattress Size and Dimensions Finding the perfect mattress size for your camper van can be tricky. You’re working within the confines of the van’s interior dimensions, and a standard bed size might not always fit. Measure Your Space: Before buying a mattress, measure the area where your bed will be. Make sure to account for any walls, cabinets, or wheel wells that might impact the size of the mattress. Common Sizes: For many van conversions, a full or queen-size mattress can fit, but this depends on your van’s layout. Twin or custom sizes might be necessary for narrow spaces. Cut to Fit: If a standard mattress doesn’t fit perfectly, you can always opt for a DIY approach and cut the foam to the exact dimensions you need. Mattress Thickness Thickness is a key factor in determining the comfort of your campervan mattress, but thicker isn’t always better when it comes to van life. Standard home mattresses are often around 10 inches thick, but that’s usually too high for a van, where space is at a premium. You want a mattress thick enough to provide support and comfort, but not so thick that it takes up too much room. Recommended Thickness: For most van conversions, a mattress thickness of 4 to 6 inches provides the ideal balance of comfort and space-saving. This is especially important if your bed setup involves a convertible system, as a thinner mattress is easier to fold or stow away during the day. Mattress Materials The material of your mattress can greatly affect how comfortable and durable it is. Different materials have varying levels of support, breathability, and price. Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses conform to your body’s shape, providing excellent support. They’re great for side sleepers and those who want to feel “hugged” by their mattress. But, memory foam can retain heat, which might be an issue during warm weather. Latex Foam: Latex foam mattresses are durable and breathable. They offer a firm but comfortable sleep surface and are naturally resistant to dust mites and mold. However, latex foam mattresses can be expensive compared to other materials. Polyurethane Foam: Poly foam is a budget-friendly option that offers decent support and comfort. It’s not as durable or long-lasting as memory or latex foam, but it’s a good choice if you’re looking to save money on your mattress. Build Your Own DIY Van Mattress If you’re a DIY enthusiast or want to save some money on your van loan, creating your own camper van mattress is a viable option. By purchasing a foam slab and cutting it to fit your van’s specific dimensions, you can craft a custom mattress tailored to your needs. How It Works: Purchase Foam: Start by selecting a foam type that meets your comfort needs (memory, latex, or poly foam). Foam slabs are available in various thicknesses and densities, so choose one that strikes a balance between support and comfort. Cut the Foam: Measure the dimensions of your bed space in the van, then cut the foam slab to fit. One key tip is to cut the foam in one single piece, rather than piecing together multiple smaller pieces, to ensure consistent comfort and support. Create a Cover: Once you’ve cut your foam to size, you’ll need a cover. You can either sew one yourself using a fabric of your choice or purchase a mattress cover designed for foam beds. The cover protects the foam and makes cleaning easier. Roam Rest Mattress Options If building your own mattress isn’t for you, Roam Rest offers a hassle-free solution with pre-made campervan mattresses that meet the unique needs of van life. These mattresses are specifically designed to offer a balance between comfort, support, and space efficiency, ensuring you get a good night’s sleep without sacrificing the precious space in your van. What They Offer Van-Specific Sizes Roam Rest mattresses come in van-specific sizes, pre-cut to fit the dimensions of popular van models like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster. This eliminates the need to make manual adjustments or deal with ill-fitting bedding, simplifying the process of converting your van. The precision-fit mattresses ensure you maximize your available sleeping space without unnecessary gaps or overhangs. Comfort and Support Roam Rest mattresses are made with high-quality foam materials, designed for long-term use, providing consistent support whether you’re camping in rugged environments or parked in the city. Many of their mattresses feature multi-layer foam construction, combining memory foam for pressure relief with firmer layers for support. Portable and Lightweight For van lifers who frequently switch between different setups or need to reconfigure their space, portability is a significant benefit. The flexibility of these mattresses makes them
Best Fridges for Campervans Rated
When you’re living or traveling in a van, having a reliable fridge is more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Nobody wants to live off canned beans and crackers indefinitely. Whether you’re storing fresh veggies, cold drinks, or keeping your leftovers safe, choosing the right fridge can make all the difference. As veteran van lifers who have been building and optimizing conversion vans for years, we know firsthand how important it is to get this decision right. That’s why we’re sharing our top picks for campervan fridges, from energy-efficient models to ones that offer maximum storage for long trips. Our Favorite 12V Fridge for Campervans Vitrifrigo 85 Fridge/Freezer The Vitrifrigo 85 is, hands down, our top pick for the best campervan fridge. If you’re looking for a refrigerator that can do it all—without guzzling too much power—this is it. We’ve used it in several of our flagship builds, and it consistently impresses us with its energy efficiency, size, and flexibility. Key Features: Capacity: 85 liters, with a 12-liter freezer compartment. Eco-Friendly: Consumes just 0.323 kW in 24 hours, making it super eco-friendly. Removable Ice Tray: Don’t need the ice tray? No problem. Easily remove it to free up extra space. Weight: 26 kg (about 57 lbs)—a reasonable weight considering its size and functionality. This fridge is great for van lifers who need a reliable, efficient fridge and freezer combo but don’t want to waste energy or space. It strikes a great balance between size and power consumption, allowing you to store a good amount of food and beverages without stressing about your battery. Check out our other van customization options What’s Better – Upright or Top-Loading? Choosing between an upright and a top-loading fridge for your campervan comes down to a few important factors: how you plan to use your fridge, your energy setup, and how much space you’re working with. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both styles. Top-Loading Fridges (Chest Style) Pros: Energy Efficient: Top-loading fridges are very energy-efficient because cold air stays trapped inside when you open them. Cold air sinks, so when you lift the lid, the cold air stays at the bottom. Portable: Many top-loading fridges are designed to be portable, so you can easily move them in and out of your van if needed. Versatile Sizing: They come in various sizes, from small 25-liter models to larger 90-liter options, making them flexible depending on your storage needs. Cons: Hard to Organize: Since it’s a chest style, food can easily get buried at the bottom, making it hard to see or reach items without pulling everything out, and kind of annoying when trying to cook in your van. More Expensive: Typically, top-loading fridges are more expensive than upright models, especially if you’re looking for dual-zone options. For these reasons, we don’t use chest-style fridges for our van builds, but we do recommend them for people who do more short-term van excursions! Upright Fridges (Front Loading) Pros: Easier to Organize: Front-loading fridges let you see all of your food at once, just like a traditional home fridge. Permanently Installed: Upright fridges are generally built into your van’s design, which gives a more streamlined look and feel. Cons: Less Energy Efficient: Since cold air escapes every time you open the door, upright fridges tend to use more energy. Not Portable: These fridges are usually installed permanently, so you can’t easily move them around like chest-style fridges. What Size Van Fridge Do I Need? The size of your campervan fridge depends on how many people will be using it and how long you plan to be on the road between restocking. For One Person: A 50 to 150-liter front-loading fridge should suffice. If you’re traveling solo, something in the middle of this range is ideal—you want enough space without taking up too much of your van. For Two People: If you’re traveling with a partner, a top-loading fridge between 25 to 90 liters works well. This size provides enough room for essentials without wasting space or energy. Compressor vs. Absorption Fridges When shopping for a campervan fridge, you’ll come across two main types: compressor fridges and absorption fridges. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they differ: Compressor Fridges How They Work: Compressor fridges work much like a household fridge. They use a motor to compress refrigerant gas, which cools the air inside the fridge. Pros: Highly Efficient: Compressor fridges use less energy, especially the 12v compressor fridge models designed for campervans. Quick Cooling: These fridges cool down quickly, which is great if you need to store perishables immediately. Works in All Conditions: Compressor fridges work well in all climates, including very hot weather. Cons: Noise: The motor can make a low humming noise, though this isn’t usually loud enough to be disruptive. Absorption Fridges How They Work: Absorption fridges use a heat source (like propane or electric) to evaporate a liquid refrigerant, which absorbs heat and cools the air. Pros: Silent Operation: Since there’s no motor, absorption fridges are silent, making them ideal for light sleepers. Versatile Power Source: They can run on propane, 12V, or 110V, giving you more options for power. Cons: Less Efficient: Absorption fridges tend to use more power when running on electricity and take longer to cool. Sensitive to Temperature: They’re less effective in hot weather and may struggle to keep food cold if the ambient temperature is too high. Other Upright Fridges We Like If you’re in the market for an upright fridge, here are some other great options that we’ve tried and recommend: Isotherm Cruise 65 Key Features: Capacity: 2.12 cubic feet of fridge space and 0.18 cubic feet of freezer space. Dimensions: 20.8″ tall x 18.5″ wide x 20.5″ deep. Weight: 44 lbs. Cost: $1,642 The Isotherm Cruise 65 is a solid option if you’re looking for a durable and energy-efficient front-loading fridge. It’s slightly smaller than the Vitrifrigo 85, but it still offers a freezer compartment and plenty
Why Bamboo is the Best Wood for Camper Van Conversions
When it comes to building out your dream campervan, choosing the right materials is crucial. From durability to aesthetics to weight, every choice impacts the overall quality and feel of your van. One material that stands out in the world of campervan conversions is bamboo. Known for its strength, sustainability, and versatility, bamboo is becoming a popular choice for benches, cabinetry, and shelving in campervans. Here’s why bamboo is the best wood option for your campervan conversion! 1. Sustainability: A Green Choice Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials available. Unlike traditional hardwoods, which can take decades to mature, bamboo grows rapidly. It can reach maturity in just 3-5 years. This quick growth rate makes bamboo a renewable resource that can be harvested without causing significant environmental impact. Choosing bamboo for your campervan conversion supports sustainable practices and reduces your carbon footprint! 2. Strength and Durability Despite being lightweight, bamboo is incredibly strong. Its natural fibers make it as strong as many hardwoods, if not stronger. This strength ensures that bamboo can withstand the bumps and vibrations of life on the road. Whether it’s used for benches, cabinetry, or shelving, bamboo can handle heavy loads and daily use without warping or cracking. This durability makes bamboo a reliable choice for long-term campervan living. 3. Moisture Resistance Living in a campervan often means dealing with varying temperatures and humidity levels. Moisture resistance in a van is essential to prevent warping, swelling, or mold growth. Bamboo has natural moisture-resistant properties, making it an ideal material for campervan interiors. Its ability to handle humidity changes ensures that your benches, cabinetry, and shelving will remain in good condition, even in damp or humid environments. Side note: some van heating systems utilize wet heat and some dry heat. Make sure your chosen heat source uses dry heat if possible. 4. Lightweight Material Weight is a major consideration in campervan conversions. Heavier materials can impact fuel efficiency and make the vehicle harder to drive. Bamboo provides the best of both worlds—it offers the strength of hardwood while being significantly lighter. Using bamboo for your van’s interior helps keep the overall weight down, making your van more fuel-efficient and easier to maneuver. At Geotrek, our vans take advantage of bamboo’s lightweight and durable qualities (plus, it looks great). 5. Aesthetic Appeal Bamboo’s natural beauty adds a touch of warmth and elegance to any space. Its light, natural color, and fine grain give it a modern, clean look that complements the aesthetics of most campervans. Bamboo can also be finished in various ways, meaning you can customize the appearance to match your style preferences. 6. Easy Maintenance One of the practical benefits of bamboo is its low maintenance requirements. Like other natural materials (though natural materials aren’t so lightweight), bamboo surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, making them perfect for the confined and sometimes messy environment of a campervan. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually enough to keep bamboo looking fresh and new. Its hard surface also resists scratches, keeping your van’s interior looking sharp even with heavy use. 7. Cost-Effectiveness While quality materials often come at a higher cost, bamboo offers an affordable alternative to traditional hardwoods. Its rapid growth cycle makes it less expensive to produce, and these savings are passed on to the consumer. Planning to use bamboo in your van build can keep costs low and loans low for van financing purposes. We use bamboo in our campervan conversions for high-quality, sustainable materials without breaking the bank. Bamboo Finishings at Geotrek We believe that quality materials make a difference. That’s why we use bamboo for our benches, cabinetry, and shelving. Bamboo aligns with our commitment to sustainability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Our goal is to provide our customers with beautiful, functional campervans that are built to last, and bamboo helps us achieve that. Choosing Geotrek Vans for your campervan conversion means choosing a company that values both the environment and quality craftsmanship. Our use of bamboo not only enhances the look and feel of our vans but also supports a greener future. If you’re considering a campervan conversion, we invite you to explore how bamboo can transform your van into a stylish and sustainable home on wheels. Contact Us
Best Wifi Solutions for Getting Internet on the Road
Whether you’re a nomad working from your van or simply want to stay connected with family and friends during your travels, finding the right WiFi solution for the road is crucial. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out the best fit for your needs. Why Reliable Internet Matters for Van Life Whether you’re streaming movies, working remotely, or just need to keep in touch, having a reliable internet connection isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for van life. Gone are the days when being on the road meant being disconnected. Now, with a range of solutions available, you can ensure you have internet access wherever you go, from remote campsites to bustling city streets. As you compare internet options, consider what you use it for and how much you’ll need. Some solutions are better than others for streaming, working, video calls, or running multiple software at once. Starlink Satellite: The Holy Grail of Internet on the Road How It Works: Starlink, developed by SpaceX, is a satellite internet service that’s rapidly gaining popularity among van lifers. It works by connecting to a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, providing internet access in areas that are often out of reach for traditional cell service. Why It’s Great: The standout feature of Starlink is its ability to provide internet access even in the most remote locations. Unlike other options that rely on cell towers, Starlink’s satellite-based system can deliver high-speed internet virtually anywhere, making it a game-changer for those who frequent areas with poor or no cell coverage. This is why we offer it in all our van builds. Initial Investment: While Starlink requires a significant upfront investment—typically from $299 to $599 for the hardware and about $50 to $150 per month for the service—it’s worth it for those who need reliable internet for work or personal use without the risk of spotty signals. The system is also relatively easy to set up, and its portability makes it ideal for van life. Specs and Benefits: Download Speeds: 50-200 Mbps, depending on location Portability: Easy to set up and move Coverage: Global, though performance can vary depending on location Best For: Remote workers, full-time van lifers, and those who frequently camp in remote areas Cell Phone Hotspot: Simple and Convenient How It Works: A cell phone hotspot is one of the most straightforward ways to get internet on the road. By enabling the hotspot feature on your smartphone, you can share your phone’s data connection with other devices, such as a laptop or tablet. This method works wherever you have cell service, but not where you don’t. Considerations: However, it’s important to note that many “unlimited” plans have limits on how much high-speed data you can use for tethering. After 25-75 GB, your speeds may be throttled ,which can make streaming or large downloads difficult. Additionally, using your phone as a hotspot can drain its battery quickly. Also remember, if your phone doesn’t have service somewhere, don’t expect your hotspot to work. Brands and Plans to Consider: Verizon Unlimited Plans: Verizon offers some of the best coverage across the U.S., making it a solid choice for van lifers. AT&T Unlimited Elite: This plan includes 40 GB of high-speed hotspot data per month before throttling. T-Mobile Magenta Max: T-Mobile’s top-tier plan offers unlimited high-speed hotspot data, though coverage in rural areas may be spotty. Best For: Casual internet users who primarily stay in areas with good cell coverage. Mobile Hotspot Devices How It Works: A mobile hotspot device, also known as a MiFi (mobile wifi), is a small, portable gadget that connects to a cellular network and broadcasts a WiFi signal. These devices are ideal for those who want to keep their smartphone battery intact while enjoying a stable internet connection on the road. Considerations: The downside is that you’re typically locked into one carrier, meaning if you’re in an area with poor service from that carrier, you’re out of luck. Additionally, mobile hotspots usually require a separate data plan, which can add to your monthly expenses. Brands and Devices to Consider: Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L: Known for its strong battery life and excellent coverage, this is a top choice for many van lifers. Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot Router: This device from AT&T offers strong performance and the ability to connect up to 20 devices at once. T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi M2000: For those who want to tap into the 5G network, this device offers fast speeds where 5G is available. Best For: Those who need a dedicated, portable internet solution and don’t mind paying for an additional data plan. Signal Boosters How It Works: A signal booster doesn’t create a new internet connection but rather amplifies the existing cell signal to improve connectivity. This can be particularly useful in areas where cell service is weak but not entirely absent. Considerations: Signal boosters are a one-time investment, usually costing a few hundred dollars, but they don’t come with monthly fees. They’re best for those who are confident they won’t be spending extended periods in areas with no cell service at all. Brands to Consider: weBoost Drive X RV: A popular choice among van lifers, this booster is designed to enhance cell signal for multiple devices in large vehicles. SureCall Fusion2Go Max: This device is known for its powerful boosting capabilities, even in remote areas. HiBoost Travel 4G 2.0 RV: Offering a good balance between price and performance, this is another solid option for boosting your cell signal on the road. Best For: Van lifers who often find themselves in areas with weak but present cell signals. Tips for Using Public WiFi Safely Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you’ll need to rely on public WiFi—whether at a coffee shop, rest stop, or fast-food chain. While convenient, public WiFi comes with risks, including the potential for data breaches and cyberattacks. Here’s how to stay safe: Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts
Van Security Systems: Staying Safe on the Road
Van life has become increasingly popular, offering the freedom to travel and live on the road. The appeal of waking up to new landscapes, the flexibility of location, and the minimalist lifestyle draw many to this unconventional way of living, especially in the age of the remote worker. Why to Prioritize Security in Van Life When your home is on wheels, it can be targeted by thieves looking for valuable items or the vehicle itself. Break-ins can happen anytime, especially when parked in unfamiliar or secluded areas. The potential risks include: Theft of the van or its contents Break-ins Personal safety threats How to Avoid Putting Your Van at Risk Preventative measures are the first line of defense in van security. Here are several strategies to decrease your likelihood of being a victim: Choose Safe Parking Spots: Always park in well-lit, populated areas. If possible, choose locations with security cameras. Parking your van near other vehicles or in areas with regular foot traffic can deter potential thieves. This obviously doesn’t apply to campsites or off-the-grid living. Blend In: Avoid flashy decorations that indicate valuable items inside. A nondescript exterior helps your van blend in with others, making it less attractive to thieves. If you keep a ton of valuables in your van, try to store them out of sight. Stand Out: Consider using bumper stickers or unique identifiers that can help police quickly identify your van if it’s stolen. Be Cautious with Social Media: Avoid sharing your exact location in real-time. Broadcasting your location can make you an easy target for thieves who monitor social media for opportunities. Secure Your Valuables: Keep valuable items out of sight or in hidden compartments. Use lockboxes or safes to store important items securely. Build Trust with Locals: Engage with local communities to understand safe and unsafe areas. Locals can provide valuable insights and tips for staying safe in their region. Best Security Systems for Vans and RVs Modern security systems tailored for mobile living offer various features to enhance your van’s security. Here’s an overview of some of the best options available: Alarm Systems: Alarm systems include features like motion sensors, sirens, and notifications sent directly to your smartphone. Consider: Viper SmartStart: Offers remote start, lock/unlock features, and real-time alerts. Clifford Matrix: Known for its reliable performance and advanced security features. Compustar CS7900-AS: Provides extensive coverage with a range of sensors and remote capabilities. GPS Tracking: GPS tracking systems are essential for locating a stolen vehicle. They can help law enforcement track and recover your van quickly. How it Works: GPS trackers provide real-time location updates and can be monitored through an app. If your van is stolen, you can share its location with the authorities for a swift recovery. Remote Monitoring: Systems that allow you to monitor your van via smartphone offer peace of mind. You can check on your vehicle anytime, ensuring it’s secure even when you’re not nearby. Features: These systems often include cameras, door sensors, and motion detectors that you can access remotely. Other Security Tips for Van Life In addition to electronic security systems, consider incorporating these physical security measures: Steering Wheel Locks: These devices prevent the vehicle from being driven away by locking the steering wheel in place. Open Door Sensors: Alert you when a door is opened unexpectedly, providing an early warning of potential break-ins. Window Curtains: Provide privacy and deter potential thieves from peeking inside to see valuable items. Geotrek can provide window covers for you or we always recommend our friends at VanEssential. Motion Detector Lights: Illuminate the area around your van when movement is detected, deterring thieves and alerting you to activity. Personal Safety Devices: Items like pepper spray, personal alarms, and other safety gadgets can protect you in case of personal threats. Best Security Cameras for Vans Security cameras are a vital component of a comprehensive van security system. They not only deter theft but also provide valuable evidence in case of a break-in. Here are some recommended security cameras for van life: Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Features: High-definition video, night vision, and facial recognition. What We Like: Durable, weatherproof, and integrates with smart home systems. Ideal for monitoring your surroundings day and night. Arlo Pro 3 Features: Wire-free, 2K video resolution, and color night vision. What We Like: Easy installation, long battery life, and wide field of view. Great for capturing clear images and videos. Ring Stick Up Cam Features: Versatile mounting options, motiondetection, and two-way audio. What We Like: Affordable, reliable, and integrates with the Ring security system. Suitable for bothinterior and exterior monitoring. These cameras offer ease of installation, night vision capabilities, durability, and mobile access, making them perfect for van life security. Staying Safe on the Road Securing your van is essential for a safe and enjoyable van life experience. By understanding the risks, implementing preventative measures, and investing in reliable security systems, you can protect your vehicle and belongings. Assess your security needs and choose the best systems and measures for your situation. Share your tips and experiences in the comments section to help fellow van dwellers stay safe on the road. Browse Camper Van Builds